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Numbers 6:24

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The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

The LORD {H3068} bless {H1288} thee, and keep {H8104} thee:

'Y'varekh'kha ADONAI v'yishmerekha. [May ADONAI bless you and keep you.]

‘May the LORD bless you and keep you;

Jehovah bless thee, and keep thee:

Commentary

Numbers 6:24, "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:", is the opening line of the powerful and enduring Priestly Blessing, also known as the Aaronic Blessing. This verse encapsulates God's desire to bestow favor and provide protection upon His people, delivered through the priestly lineage of Aaron.

Context

This profound blessing is found in the Book of Numbers, specifically in chapter 6, which largely deals with the laws concerning the Nazarite vow. Immediately following instructions for those who consecrate themselves to the Lord, God gives specific words to Moses, instructing Aaron and his sons on how they were to bless the Israelites. This placement is significant: after detailing human efforts at consecration, God reveals His divine initiative to bless and preserve His chosen people. The blessing was not a mere wish but a prophetic declaration of God's active benevolence towards His covenant community.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blessing (Barak): The Hebrew word for "bless," barak (בָּרַךְ), signifies more than just material prosperity. It implies the imparting of divine favor, empowerment for prosperity, and well-being in every aspect of life – spiritual, physical, and relational. It speaks of God's active presence and benevolent action in a person's life, leading to flourishing.
  • Divine Keeping/Protection (Shamar): The word "keep," shamar (שָׁמַר), means to guard, watch over, preserve, or protect. This isn't passive observation but active, vigilant care. It reassures the recipient that God is a faithful guardian against all forms of harm, whether physical dangers, spiritual attacks, or the perils of life's journey. This theme of divine preservation echoes throughout scripture, such as in Psalm 121:7-8, where the Lord keeps you from all evil.
  • God's Initiative: The blessing begins with "The LORD," emphasizing that the source of all blessing and protection is God Himself. It is not earned by human merit but flows from His gracious character and covenant faithfulness, aligning with God's consistent desire to bless those who walk in His ways, as seen in promises like those in Deuteronomy 28:1-14 regarding blessings for obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The concise nature of this verse in the KJV belies the richness of the original Hebrew. The verb forms used are jussives, which express a wish or a command, but when spoken by God through His priests, they become a divine promise and declaration. The repetition of "The LORD" in the full blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) emphasizes the singular, sovereign source of these profound benefits.

Practical Application

For believers today, Numbers 6:24 remains a powerful declaration of God's enduring character. It reminds us that God desires to bless us comprehensively and to actively watch over and protect us. This verse can be a source of comfort, a prayer for ourselves and others, and a foundational truth about God's ever-present care. It encourages us to live in the assurance of His divine favor and protective hand, trusting that He is always at work for our good.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (47 votes)

    ¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Psalms 121:4 (37 votes)

    Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

  • Psalms 121:7 (37 votes)

    The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

  • Philippians 4:7 (33 votes)

    And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

  • Jude 1:24 (28 votes)

    Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

  • Isaiah 42:6 (26 votes)

    I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

  • John 17:11 (22 votes)

    And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].